T Helper 2 Cell (Th2 Cell)

T helper 2 cells (Th2 cells) are a specialized subset of CD4+ T lymphocytes that play a central role in orchestrating the humoral, or antibody-mediated, immune response. They are primarily involved in defending the body against extracellular parasites, bacteria, allergens, and toxins by activating and maintaining immune responses that lead to strong antibody production. They mediate activation and maintenance of humoral immunity by producing cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, and IL-13 which then stimulate B cell class-switching to IgE and recruit eosinophils and basophils to sites of infection or allergic reaction. Th2 differentiation is driven by antigen presentation via MHC Class II molecules on professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), co-stimulatory signals from APCs, and cytokine environment—especially presence of interleukin‑4 during initial activation.

Other names

Th2 cellsT helper 2 lymphocytesCD4+ Th2 cells